Lip lift or lip implants? (photos)

Question

I had fillers done twice in the past and while the first time (in my 20s) lasted for few months, the second time few years ago lasted only 2-3 weeks. I did like the look but it was so short lived that I can't remember anymore. Now that I am approaching my 40s I am looking for a permanent solution and I want to figure out if lip lift is better than implants for me, since I think I have a long upper lip, when I have my mouth open, I don't see my teeth. What would be better?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello rossanarLip lifts are minor surgical procedures that actually shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip and allow more of your central upper teeth to show both at rest and when you smile. This has sometimes been called the Bullhorn procedure because of the shape. The incision at the base of the nose, just within the nostrils, tucks the muscle and shortens the skin providing a youthful upper lip in less than an hour under local anesthetic
Lip augmentation is the enlargement of the lips in order to create a fuller, more youthful look, and to reduce wrinkles around the lips. This is often accomplished through the injection of either natural or synthetic fillers.

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph. Lip lift and lip implant provide different results. Lip lift is an option to consider for patients with a long upper lip. Lip lift surgery is a minor procedure, which can be performed in the office via local anesthesia. Downtime is minimal, as a majority of healing occurs within the first week. Lip implant has potential issues. Read more about lip lift in blog link below, in addition to lip filler vs. implant.Best,Dr. Chaboki

Lip lift or lip implants? (photos)

Answers (2)